Ruby, sapphire, emerald: look-alikes and how to tell
Short answer
Ruby, sapphire, emerald is commonly confused with synthetic (Verneuil, from 1902), spinel and garnet, doublets and glass, glass-filled ruby.
The species, natural or synthetic, origin and treatments.
Look-alikes
- synthetic (Verneuil, from 1902)
- spinel and garnet
- doublets and glass
- glass-filled ruby
What to look at
A large, flawless, perfectly coloured stone in a modest mount suggests synthetic or glass. Worn facet edges suggest glass.
What settles it
- Gemmologist with a microscope: curved striae and bubbles (synthetic) versus natural inclusions.
- A laboratory report for valuable stones.
Frequently asked
What can ruby, sapphire, emerald be mistaken for?
synthetic (Verneuil, from 1902); spinel and garnet; doublets and glass; glass-filled ruby.
How can I tell ruby, sapphire, emerald from its look-alikes?
Gemmologist with a microscope: curved striae and bubbles (synthetic) versus natural inclusions. A laboratory report for valuable stones.